### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chophshûwth**, represented by `{{H2669}}`, describes a state of **prostration by sickness**. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. When used with the word for house, `{{H1004}}`, it refers to a place of isolation for the sick, translated as a **several** house or what could be considered a hospital.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H2669}}` is specific and consistent in scripture. In both of its occurrences, it describes the fate of a king afflicted by the LORD with leprosy. King Uzziah was struck and became a leper until his death, forcing him to live apart in a "several **house**" [[2 Kings 15:5]]. This isolation was not merely physical; the king was explicitly "cut off from the house of the LORD," highlighting a complete separation from his royal duties and religious life [[2 Chronicles 26:21]]. The term, therefore, denotes a specific place of confinement due to a severe and debilitating illness.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the context surrounding `{{H2669}}`:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (a house): This word is used in direct combination with `{{H2669}}` to form the phrase "several house," indicating the physical dwelling of isolation [[2 Kings 15:5]].
* `{{H6879}}` **tsâraʻ** (leper, leprous): This term identifies the specific affliction that necessitates dwelling in the "several house." It is the direct cause of the king's separation [[2 Chronicles 26:21]].
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (to dwell, to remain): This word describes the action of the king, who was made to **dwell** or remain in the house of isolation for the rest of his life [[2 Kings 15:5]].
* `{{H1504}}` **gâzar** (to cut down or off; exclude): This powerful verb explains the consequence of the king's condition. He was **cut off** from the temple and the community, signifying total exclusion [[2 Chronicles 26:21]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2669}}` is tied to the concepts of affliction, separation, and judgment.
* **Physical and Ritual Separation:** The "several house" is the physical manifestation of a required separation. The condition of leprosy (`{{H6879}}`) rendered a person unclean, necessitating their removal from the community and, most importantly, from places of worship.
* **Consequence of Transgression:** In the case of King Uzziah, his confinement to this place was the direct result of divine judgment for his actions [[2 Chronicles 26:21]]. The "several house" thus symbolizes the earthly consequence of his sin.
* **Exclusion from God's Presence:** The most severe aspect of this confinement was being "cut off from the house of the LORD" [[2 Chronicles 26:21]]. This illustrates that certain conditions or actions could lead to a separation from the covenant community and access to God's presence in the temple.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2669}}` is a highly specific term that signifies more than just a place. It represents a state of complete isolation brought on by severe sickness. As seen in the biblical accounts, being confined to a "several house" meant being physically removed from society and, more significantly, being ritually excluded from the community of worship. It serves as a stark illustration of the profound consequences of affliction and judgment in the Old Testament narrative.
TRV